Margaret Black joins the Board of Directors

We’re excited to welcome Margaret Black to the ALS United NC Board of Directors!

Board Chair Douglas D. Noreen shared this about Margaret: The Board is very excited to welcome Margaret Black to join our mission as a new Board member. Margaret has spent years in dedicated service to the North Carolina community as a teacher, with the YMCA, through her church, and with various nonprofits. Margaret is based in Asheville, and in conjunction with the opening of our clinic in Arden, we are especially excited to strengthen our outreach to the western part of the state. We can’t wait for her to join us and continue to help us on our mission to end ALS.

We had the opportunity to sit down with her to learn more about what inspired her to get involved, the experiences she brings, and even a few fun facts.

Q: Who encouraged you to join the board?
A: Kathleen Boyce. I’ve known her all my life—our families have always been close. When her sister passed away from ALS, it really touched me, especially since I’m also the middle sister in my family. I’ve admired Kathleen’s dedication for years, so when she asked me to get involved, it just felt right.

Q: What inspired you to say yes?
A: Honestly, I thought—why not? I’ve done school and church activities for years, and now I have the time to give back in a different way. I don’t have a direct family connection to ALS, but I wanted to help families who are facing it.

Q: What strengths or perspectives do you hope to bring to the board?
A: I was a public school English teacher here in Asheville, and now I work at the YMCA, so I’ve always been surrounded by a wide variety of people. I’m comfortable talking with folks from all different backgrounds and walks of life. I also worked for a closed captioning company for 15 years, which taught me a lot about accessibility and accommodations. Communication, listening, and learning people’s stories—that’s what I bring.

Q: What do you hope we accomplish together for the ALS community?
A: Well, short of a cure—because of course that’s the ultimate goal—I’d love to see us raise even more awareness. ALS families often face caregiving challenges, and I saw something similar when both of my parents had Dementia. Finding the right care and support is so hard, and I want to help families feel less alone in that process.

Q: If you could instantly master a new skill, what would it be?
A: Spanish! I’ve tried to take classes, but life always got in the way. I can say a few basics, but I’d love to be fluent so I could connect with more people in our community.

Q: What’s something about you that might surprise people?
A: My maiden name was White and I married Robert Black—so now I’m Margaret White Black. That usually gets a smile! Also, I’m a big fan of classic country music.

Q: Tell us a little about your family.
A: My husband Robert and I have two grown kids, Bobby (married to Mary Helen) and Betsy. And we can’t forget our sweet beagle, Kipper, who definitely rules the house.

We are glad to have Margaret on the board and are grateful for her bringing her heart, experience, and voice to ALS United NC!